63 - The Book Of II John - Audio King James Version 2 JOHN A letter written by the apostle John, showing that those who walk in the Truth and follow its principles are God’s true children. The Beloved Elder The apostle John was a “disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23). Now, as an “elder” among the believers, he tried to guide them in the way of truth and love, as taught by Jesus. The Elect Lady and her Children This second epistle written by John are addressed to “the elect lady and her children” (v 1). The “lady” may have been a particular believer, but we may also think of her as the “church” or “ecclesia” as a whole. The ecclesia consists of those who are called out by God from dying humanity to become an assembly of baptized believers. If they remain faithful they will eventually be part of the “bride” of Jesus Christ, to reign with Him on earth. She will indeed be the Elect Lady; her “children” will be the individual members. The Importance of the Truth John was pleased to learn that the “children” were “walking in truth” (v 4). Knowing “the Truth” (the true message of God) is vital. If we do not “abide in the doctrine of Christ” (v 9), we shall not receive eternal life at his coming (v 8). The Antichrist In John’s day (towards the end of the 1st century AD), false teaching was already being spread within the ecclesias by “many deceivers”. They are called “the antichrist” (v 7). Their false ideas were the start of apostasy which even- tually affected almost the whole of Christendom. “Receive him not” True believers are asked to maintain the distinction between truth and error and not to allow false teachers to enter their “house” (or ecclesia) or to worship with them (v 10-11). The Love of Christ The ecclesia of Christ must continue to show true love, Divine Love, by being concerned for the eternal life of others, their fellow believers included (v 5). Credits: http://scourby.com by Alexander Scourby narration of the King James. Litchfield Associates ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtc_eo-G1Sw

28 - The Book Of Hosea - Audio King James Version HOSEA A prophecy about God’s love for His people, Israel. Despite her unfaithfulness, God promises to restore her and make her great. Israel’s Failure Hosea had to warn Israel, especially the Northern Kingdom termed “Ephraim”, that God would punish her, because of her disobedience. In this Book, several symbols describe Israel’s failure as God’s “wife”: • Her goodness had disappeared—like a “morning cloud”; • Like a “silly dove”, she had turned first to Assyria, then to Egypt, for help— instead of to God; • She had once been like “grapes in the desert”, when God first took her; • Now she had become “like a barren fig tree” (compare Mark 11:13; Luke 21:29-31); • She would have to plough a lone furrow, without God (see 10:11). Israel’s Future Israel, instead of trusting in God, had tried to depend on alliances with other nations: “Ephraim hath mixed himself among the people … strangers have devoured his strength … they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria … and they have not cried unto me with their heart” (7:8-14). Despite being like Hosea’s own unfaithful wife (see chs 1-3), Israel would be taken back eventually (3:5; 13:14). When God restored her, she would be like “a green fir (cypress) tree”—long-lasting and upright. In that day she would bring forth fruit, to the glory of God (14:8). “Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.” (6:1) Credits: http://scourby.com by Alexander Scourby narration of the King James. Litchfield Associates ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_C_WJz_22Ww